Thinking of Selling your Unregistered Car?

Don’t want to go through all the hassle of registering your car right before you sell it? All cars are required to be registered to be road-worthy. However, the costs of going through all the mandatory process can sometimes hinder a seller from doing selling their car legally. You could be committing an offense if you're selling your unregistered car without any paperwork. Before you let anyone test-drive and/or buy your unregistered car, think about how you can best sell your car legally. 

As a guide, here’s what you need to consider if you’re thinking about selling your unregistered car:

Selling your Unregistered Car #1: State Regulations

Car laws must be adhered to depending on which state you are selling the car in. In Victoria, you can obtain a vehicle permit for your unregistered car which makes it easier for the buyer to drive home the car. There are still restrictions on how to transfer your unregistered car from one state to another so it’s important to check and verify the regulations in other states of NSW, QLD, WA, SA, and NT. Follow the law as described to save you from any liability if anything happens to the car.

Selling your Unregistered Car #2: Certificate of Roadworthiness

Obtaining a Certificate of Roadworthiness can help you in proving the car's safety and ability to be driven. The inspection of the car must be performed by a licensed vehicle tester and will only be issued if all the key components of the car are in good condition. It is important to note that the Certificate only remains current for 30 days from passing the inspection. Show potential buyers that you are a credible buyer selling a safe and useable vehicle.  

Selling your Unregistered Car #3: Pricing

As you are selling your unregistered car, you might want to consider dropping your selling price by a notch since the buyer will have to shoulder the registration fees. It makes sense as well for you to have an attractive proposition in a marketplace where the cars sold are all registered.

Selling your Unregistered Car #4: Paperwork

Your buyer will be responsible for most of the paperwork and re-registration of the car. In order for the buyer to do this, you need to provide your buyer with the receipt of the car as proof of purchase and ownership. The receipt should include the following details:

• The date,
• Your name, address, and signature,
• VIN or Vehicle Identification Number, engine number, make and model and other car details, and
• The buyer’s name and address.

It may be a bit of a legwork selling your unregistered car because of the extra precautions you have to take. At the end of the day, it is possible and will save you some money. After you have settled everything with your buyer, it’s time for the buyer to do the legwork on his side of the fence.